12 Best Mexican Restaurants in NYC (2023)

There are many Mexicans living in New York City and this account for the existence of many Mexican restaurants in NYC selling traditional and modern Mexican cuisine. This article shows some of the top Mexican restaurants in NYC, along with what they offer, address, contact information, and opening hours.

List of 12 Best Mexican Restaurants in NYC

1. Empellón Taqueria

This lively, casual Mexican restaurant in NYC is located in the West Village and serves innovative takes on classic Mexican dishes, with a focus on tacos. They also offer a selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails.

• Address: 230 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014
• Contact: (212) 367-0999
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12 pm – 10 pm, Friday 12 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 11 am – 10 pm

2. Cosme

This modern Mexican restaurant in NYC is located in the Flatiron District and it is known for its creative, upscale dishes and elegant decor. Their signature dish is the “Duck Carnitas.”

• Address: 35 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010
• Contact: (212) 913-9659
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Friday to Saturday 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Sunday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

3. El Mitote

This is one of the Mexican restaurants in NYC with a blend of everything. You can get a lunch served with wild mushroom tinga tacos, huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. There is also the red chicken pozole that can be eaten as a mid-day meal. It is served with tostada on the side.

• Address: 208 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
• Contact: (212) 874-2929
• Opening hours: Opens daily from 11:30 am–10 pm

4. Los Tacos No. 1

This counter-service spot in Chelsea Market is known for its authentic, street-style tacos made with fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas. This Mexican restaurant in NYC is where you can comfortably enjoy street foods.

• Address: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
• Contact: (212) 256-0343
• Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm

5. Birria-Landia

This restaurant is famous for its four special meals which include tacos, mulitas, tostadas, and cups of consomé. Birria-Landia is one of the Mexican restaurants in NYC you will find operated in a truck and still offer good meals.

• Address: 77-99 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
• Contact: (347) 283-2162
• Opening hours: Opens daily

6. Fonda

This colorful, lively restaurant Mexican restaurant in NYC is located in the East Village. This restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes and creative cocktails. They offer a weekend brunch menu as well.

• Address: 40 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
• Contact: (646) 820-0781
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 11 am – 10 pm

7. La Esquina

This trendy, underground restaurant in SoHo serves upscale Mexican fare, including tacos, ceviche, and grilled meats. This stylish Mexican restaurant in NYC also has a speakeasy-style bar.

• Address: 114 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012
• Contact: (646) 613-7100
• Opening hours: Daily 11:30 am – 11 pm

8. Empellón

This upscale Mexican restaurant in NYC offers inventive, contemporary dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative cocktails. The menu includes items like octopus tacos, chile rellenos, and margarita flights.

• Address: 510 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
• Contact: (212) 858-9365
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm, Sunday 4 pm – 9 pm, Monday closed

9. Ruta Oaxaca

Ruta Oaxaca is one of the Mexican restaurants in NYC that offers tasty traditional cuisines of the southern Mexican. You have got to try out the chicken bunuelos which is served with a dark mole Oaxaca. It can also be served with a brighter mole coloradito which is poured over a steak with melted cheese.

• Address: 35-03 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106
• Contact: (929) 349-1228
• Opening hours: Monday – Thursday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

10.Atla

This bright and airy restaurant in NoHo offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine, with dishes like avocado tostadas, chia pudding, and cold-pressed juice cocktails. They also have a bakery counter with fresh-baked breads and pastries.

• Address: 372 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
• Contact: (646) 837-6464
• Opening hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm

11.Taco Mix

This Pueblan taqueria Mexican restaurant in NYC specializes in al pastor. The tacos and tortillas are well prepared and paired with bits of fruits to give a more enriching taste.

• Address: 234 E 116th St #1, New York, NY 10029
• Contact: (212) 289-2963
• Opening hours: Opens daily

12.Taqueria Coatzingo

This is a family-owned restaurant and it is famous for its Pueblan food. This restaurant owns two storefronts which is used as a bar and dance hall.  Taqueria Coatzingo is one of the best and affordable Mexican restaurants in NYC.

• Address: 7605 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
• Contact: (718) 424-1977
• Opening hours: Opens daily from 11 am–3 am

In conclusion, New York City offers a diverse selection of Mexican restaurants, from upscale and modern to casual and traditional. Whether you are in the mood for creative cocktails or classic street-style tacos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you are in NYC and looking for some delicious Mexican cuisine, be sure to check out one of these top Mexican restaurants in NYC.